BBC LS3/5a loudspeaker 1993 Review context

Sidebar 1: 1993 Review context

Power amplifiers were either a pair of Mark Levinson No.20.6 monoblocks or a YBA 2, while the preamplifier was either the Melos SHA-1 headphone amplifier used as a line-stage, the YBA 2, or the Audio Research LS2B. A Mod Squad Phono Drive EPS amplified LP signals from a Linn Sondek/Cirkus/Trampolin/Lingo/Ekos/Arkiv setup sitting on an ArchiDee table. Digital source was variously a Theta DS Pro Generation III, a Counterpoint DA-10 with UltraAnalog DAC module, a Mark Levinson No.35, or the new Sonic Frontiers SFD-2, all driven by a Mark Levinson No.31 transport via AudioQuest Pro 2 ST-optical. Interconnects used were all AudioQuest Lapis, while speaker cable was a 5' bi-wired set of AudioQuest Sterling. All source components and preamps were plugged into a Power Wedge 116, itself plugged into one of my listening room's two specially installed AC circuits and fitted with the Power Enhancer option. The speakers were used on 24", lead-shot-filled Celestion Si stands.—John Atkinson